Cleartone Bass strings

[Toneman]

Not a big fan of coated strings but thinking about giving Cleartones a try after my friend who works in a music store recommended them. Would like opinions before I drop the $35.

[lowendgenerator]

I saw a kid buy a set of these for guitar today, are they a direct comparison to elixers? The kid didn't really know much about them, neither did the schmoe behind the counter.

[Ampeg SVT]

Someone posted a thread and said they were horrid

[DrSmaggs]

I agree... They are very coarse and the do not sound nice at all. I'm very disappointed. They are also VERY EXPENSIVE. It was like 15 bucks just for the B String.

The sales guy at GC recommended them, saying they were "super awesome" and much more comfortable and sounded better than elixirs.

I think not. I'm frustrated to no end, because these strings are the exact opposite of what I expected.

They went too far with the "feels like an uncoated string" statement. These strings could be used as a cheese grater and they don't sound consistent across the board at all. The E string sounds like a ten year old dead string and the B string is "okay" at best for a brand new string.

I think sales guys are just told to sell them.

I'm worried that there's a no return policy on strings and these suckers cost me about $60 at guitar center here in Scottsdale, AZ.

I will be sure to let you all know how this transaction goes. I feel I should be refunded the difference and set up with a new pack of Elixirs... which is what I went to GC to get in the first place, but a sales guy in accessories insisted that I use the Cleartones.

It would be one thing if these puppies were just sandpapery, but they just don't even go together sonically. Maybe I got a bad set?

End rant.

See you all soon!

[Volume4]

Different method than Elixirs

I have no experience with either of those brands bass strings, but I HATED Elixir acoustic guitar strings (yet they are supposedly the top selling acoustic string on the planet)

The Cleartones were better but nowhere near worth the price tag imho.

The D'addario EXP's were the best "treated strings" I ever used and reasonably priced. It's a pretty well believed rumor that Elixirs are made by D'addario and coated by Elixir, I can't comfirm that though.

Anyway, I hope this helps a little...even though I'm kinda comparing apples and oranges.

[pjmuck]

Another non-fan here. I'd been playing Elixirs for a while and the Cleartones were cheaper so I thought I'd give them a try. Dead and lifeless, with no tonal spectrum or dynamics at all.

[Craig_S]

I liked Cleartone for a while, but they don't last long enough to justify the extra cost. They definitely don't feel like Elixir's. They feel more like a set of stainless strings, to me. I won't buy them again. I won't buy Elixir's again, either. I'm really digging the Dunlop nickel strings, now. My Jazz Bass loves 'em.

[CapnSev]

One word: clank.